Allen Makes Glasgow Semis
Mark Allen is through to the semi-finals of the BetVictor Scottish Open after a 5-0 whitewash victory against Alfie Burden in Glasgow.
The Pistol, who was runner-up at last week’s UK Championship, is enjoying one of the most consistent runs of his career, having won 18 of his last 20 ranking event matches. He produced a blistering display of break building power in winning the International Championship last month. Allen fired in 14 century breaks on his way to picking up the title.
Burden, who is celebrating his 42nd birthday today, secured one of the biggest wins of his career yesterday. He defeated home favourite and four-time World Champion John Higgins 4-2. However, he couldn’t follow up that display this afternoon.
Allen compiled breaks of 52, 86 and 61 on his way to a routine victory in just over an hour and a half.
Allen said: “It was solid rather than spectacular. I feel for Alfie a little bit, as he missed some pots that he shouldn’t have. I just picked up the pieces, kept it tight when I needed to and didn’t make many errors.
“It is nice that I have been on a decent run lately, but I know how quickly things can turn around. I’m not going to get too carried away, I am just going to enjoy the run that I am on.”
Allen will face Welshman Daniel Wells up next, who emphatically defeated compatriot Ryan Day 5-1 to reach his first ever ranking event semi-final.
Wells received a first round bye after his opponent, the winner of last week’s UK Championship Ronnie O’Sullivan, pulled out of the event. The Neath potter has taken full advantage, only dropping three frames on his way to the last four.
He showed no sign of finishing line nerves this evening. From 2-1 up he fired in breaks of 76, 54 and 71 to emerge with the 5-1 victory.
Shaun Murphy claimed his place in the last four with a 5-0 whitewash of Sam Baird.
The Magician is enjoying an upturn in form this week, having lost six first round matches this season. Murphy is now potentially just two games away from a first ranking title since the 2017 Gibraltar Open.
Murphy said: “I’ve just come out of this fog and mist of confusion and disappointment I’ve been in for the last few months. I’d say whatever happens this weekend I will call it a bit of a turning point for my season. I have renewed optimism going into 2019.”
Murphy faces a blockbuster last four clash with Judd Trump. The Ace in the Pack negotiated a tough test from Stuart Carrington to come through 5-3.
Trump produced three century runs of 101, 117 and 119 on his way to this evening’s victory.